Naana Sam
Global People & Culture Director | Organisational Development Leader | HR Transformation & Operations Executive
London
Summary
Accomplished HR professional with expertise in global HR operations and process ownership, driving HR transformation and systems integration. Proven track record in organisational development and design, governance, compliance, and risk management. Skilled in people data reporting and workforce analytics, leveraging HR technology for process automation. Adept at multi-entity people leadership, change management, and continuous improvement. Provides leadership coaching and executive advisory to enhance employee experience and culture development. Committed to advancing strategic HR initiatives that foster organisational growth and innovation.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Director of People & Culture / Organisational Development
DiamondAir International
London
2021.11 - 2026.04
- Lead global HR operations transformation, redesigning end-to-end HR processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across multi-country operations.
- Act as de-facto Global HR Process Owner, standardising policies, workflows, and governance frameworks to enable scalable, technology-enabled people operations.
- Partner with Finance, IT, and operational leaders to integrate HR systems, strengthen data integrity, and improve cross-functional alignment.
- Introduced automation and process simplification initiatives, reducing manual workload and improving HR service delivery.
- Oversaw payroll governance and people data accuracy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal audit standards.
- Led organisational design and workforce planning initiatives to improve structural clarity and operational effectiveness.
- Modernised performance management, embedding continuous feedback, capability development, and leadership accountability.
- Managed complex ER cases, risk mitigation, and compliance frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
Deputy Director, Human Resources
Environmental Protection Agency
Accra
2020.12 - 2021.12
- Directed HR operations for a 600+ workforce, ensuring compliance with national regulations, audit standards, and internal governance frameworks.
- Delivered 11% reduction in HR operational costs through process optimisation and workflow redesign.
- Strengthened HR data governance, reporting accuracy, and workforce analytics to support strategic decision-making.
- Led organisational restructuring, talent development, and succession planning initiatives.
- Managed payroll, HR administration, and regulatory compliance across multiple regions.
- Contributed to HR technology improvements and alignment with Shared Service Centre-style processes.
People & Governance Officer (Executive Support)
Peterborough City Council
2021.07 - 2021.10
- Supported senior political leaders with governance, decision-making processes, and stakeholder engagement.
- Coordinated Cabinet and Council meetings, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance.
- Strengthened public engagement through enquiry management and formal communications.
HR & Administrative Leadership Roles
Environmental Protection Agency
2006.01 - 2020.01
- Progressed through HR and administrative roles supporting 600+ employees across multiple regions.
- Led employee relations, performance management, and compliance processes.
- Contributed to organisational restructuring, workforce planning, and policy development.
- Strengthened administrative governance, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
Education
MBA - Human Resource Management
Wisconsin International University College
GhanaBA - Business Studies
Wisconsin International University College
GhanaHigher National Diploma - Secretaryship & Management Studies
Cape Coast Polytechnic
GhanaSkills
- Global HR Operations & Process Ownership
- HR Transformation & Systems Integration
- Organisational Development & Design
- Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
- People Data, Reporting & Workforce Analytics
- HR Technology & Process Automation
- Multi-Entity People Leadership
- Change Management & Continuous Improvement
- Leadership Coaching & Executive Advisory
- Employee Experience & Culture Development
Certification
Business Analyst Certification Programme (Starting April 2026) - developing skills in process mapping, requirements analysis, systems optimisation, and data-driven problem solving.
Additional Value
- Founder of a charity supporting teenage mothers
- International Labour Organisation (ILO) Delegate
- Experience across public, private, and charity sectors
- Strong cultural intelligence and global HR perspective
Timeline
Director of People & Culture / Organisational Development
DiamondAir International
2021.11 - 2026.04
People & Governance Officer (Executive Support)
Peterborough City Council
2021.07 - 2021.10
Deputy Director, Human Resources
Environmental Protection Agency
2020.12 - 2021.12
HR & Administrative Leadership Roles
Environmental Protection Agency
2006.01 - 2020.01
BA - Business Studies
Wisconsin International University College
Higher National Diploma - Secretaryship & Management Studies
Cape Coast Polytechnic
MBA - Human Resource Management
Wisconsin International University College